Washington, DC-Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski today testified before the House Committee on Resources on the American Heritage Rivers Initiative. Congressman Kanjorski has been the leading advocate in Northeastern Pennsylvania to get the Susquehanna named an American Heritage River. Along with talking about the importance of the American Heritage River, Congressman Kanjorski also shared with the Resources Committee the benefits of building an inflatable dam along the Susquehanna River.

"The Susquehanna River is a perfect candidate to be named an American Heritage River. This program will help bring needed Federal monetary resources to our area to help clean up and protect the river and turn it into a viable environmental and economic asset," said Congressman Kanjorski.

The American Heritage River Program was designed by President Clinton to recognize rivers that have important cultural, historical and environmental characteristics. Once a river is chosen as an American Heritage River a federal "River Navigator" will work with the communities along the river to help them realize sources of federal grants to clean up and protect these important waterways. Along with environmental cleanup the River Navigator will also work on economic development projects with the communities in the designated areas. The deadline for the American Heritage River application is December 10, 1997 and the White House is expected to name the first ten rivers in early 1998.

"Last week, I was one of only eight Members of Congress who had the privilege to join President Clinton at the announcement of the American Heritage Rivers program. At that meeting the President outlined the three main points of the American Heritage River program. The program is dedicated to economic development, environmental cleanup and reinventing government through the more efficient utilization of Federal grants and resources," said Congressman Kanjorski.

Congressman Kanjorski's vision for a clean river extends to his commitment to the inflatable dam along the Susquehanna which would create a stabilized body of water for recreational use along the river between Wilkes-Barre and Kingston. This project, which Congressman Kanjorski secured funding for, would help revitalize the area along the river banks in downtown Wilkes-Barre and Kingston and turns the river into a destination for families and visitors for recreation as well as economic development. This revitalized area would become a catalyst of recreational activities such as swimming, boating and fishing as well as a beacon to bring more people into the downtown Wilkes-Barre area to enjoy restaurants and shops.

"We must start thinking of the river as an asset instead of a liability. The American Heritage Rivers program can help in each stage of the process in constructing the inflatable dam and cleaning up the river. The river program will, for example, permit the community to learn more about environmental cleanup strategies being used around the country in our own efforts to improve water quality. Through the American Heritage River program will can learn from other communities who have used inflatable dams and river revitalization for economic development and bring their successes to Northeastern Pennsylvania " said Congressman Kanjorski.

The inflatable dam will not be built until an environmental and economic impact study is conducted by Luzerne County. Currently Luzerne County has made a request for proposals to conduct this study. Only after this study is complete will the inflatable dam be constructed.

At today's hearing in Washington, Congressman Kanjorski pointed out that the American Heritage Rivers Program would help government work more effectively with local communities by helping to protect clean water for drinking and recreation, promoting economic development and abating pollution. Some conservative Members of Congress have been critical of the American Heritage Rivers Program as an example of government getting too involved with state issues, including water resource management. The most vocal of these critics hail for the Western states.

"This program is about using the resources of the Federal government to help communities more effectively take advantage of the programs that already exist. The cornerstone of the American Heritage River program is economic development and protecting our rivers. That is why I am committed to the program," said Congressman Kanjorski.

"Interested Northeastern Pennsylvanians who would like to get involved in the campaign to get the Susquehanna named an American Heritage River should contact my office and I will put them in touch with the local community groups who are working on this designation," said Congressman Kanjorski.

Washington, DC-Today, at the invitation of President Clinton, Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski witnessed the President's signing of the Executive Order establishing the American Heritage Rivers Initiative. Signifying Congressman Kanjorski's interest and commitment to the Susquehanna River, he was one of only eight Members of Congress to join the President at this event.

"I am pleased to have been invited by President Clinton to join him in the announcement of the opening of nominations for the American Heritage River Program. Since his State of the Union Address in February, I have been a strong supporter of having the Susquehanna River designated as an American Heritage River. The Susquehanna is a perfect candidate for this important designation," said Congressman Kanjorski.

Today, President Clinton outlined the program to name ten American Heritage Rivers. The program will focus on environmental cleanup, economic development, cultural and historic preservation. By designating a Heritage River, the United States Government will work with states and local communities in partnership to clean up and protect these important national resources. Once a river is designated an American Heritage River the program will establish a River Navigator to help coordinate federal grants and funding to preserve and protect the river. The deadline for community applications is planned for December 10th. The first ten rivers will be announced in early 1998.

"I look forward to working together with the residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania to get the Susquehanna River designated as an American Heritage River. I have had numerous meetings and discussions in Washington and Wilkes-Barre with Clinton Administration officials and local community leaders to gather support for this initiative. We have a great opportunity to help raise awareness of the Susquehanna River as an important natural resource for our area. I challenge Northeastern Pennsylvanians to join me in this project," said Congressman Kanjorski.

"I hope that all residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania who enjoy the river as much as I do, will work with my office to form the organized effort to be competitive," said Congressman Kanjorski.